4 Communities Public Health Loss of Shelter Disrupted Livelihoods and Loss of Economic Vitality Quality of Life and Community Cohesion Climate Justice Communities: Actions Needed to Adapt to Sea Level Rise Adaptation Champions Meeting the Challenge Recommendations of the Sea Level Rise Task Force Appendix A: Members of the Task Force and Workgroups Appendix B: Public Outreach Summary Appendix C: Organizational Framework Appendix D: Summary of State Sea Level Rise (SLR) Policy Development Mid Atlantic and Northeast Appendix E: Comments of the City of New York on the NYS Sea Level Rise Task Force Draft for Public Comment Page 2

6 Acknowledgements The New York State Sea Level Rise Task Force was created by an act of the New York State Legislature (Chapter 613 of the Laws of New York) in August New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis, Chair of the Task Force, assigned Special Counsel Robin Schlaff to establish and chair a steering committee. Kristin Marcell served as steering committee vicechair. The steering committee, comprised of state agency staff and representatives of non governmental organizations (NGOs), spent an extraordinary amount of time researching, discussing and deliberating issues addressed in the report. Members of the steering committee coordinated the work of five work groups: Community Resilience, Ecosystems and Natural Resources, Infrastructure, Legal and Public Outreach. Each work group included representatives from academia, businesses, NGOs, environmental justice and community groups, and federal, state and local agencies. This report is the result of their efforts, and the Task Force gratefully acknowledges their contributions. Projections of sea level rise affecting New York State were provided by the Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research based on work undertaken for the New York City Panel on Climate Change. DEC Assistant Commissioner Jared Snyder provided leadership and guidance throughout development of this report. Alan Belensz, Director of the DEC Office of Climate Change, provided a critical review of an early draft. Additional DEC staff contributors to writing, editing and production of this report include Audrey Their, Elaine Bloom, Bernadette LaManna and Ellen Bidell. Kim Farrow and Mary Kadlecek maintained the Sea Level Rise Task Force webpage. Mark Lowery provided editorial assistance and managed public outreach efforts. The development of this report included a public review of the sea level rise projections, the Task Force process and an early draft of the report and recommendations. Throughout the process, participation of stakeholders and their thoughtful comments improved the quality of the report. Page 4

7 Executive Summary New York State's extensive ocean coastline has places that we know, that we remember and that have shaped us in some way. The state s coastline includes many notable locations Montauk Point, Coney Island, Robert Moses State Park, Battery Park and the Hudson River's shores from New York City to the federal dam at Troy. More than 60 percent of New Yorkers live in homes on or near these waterfront areas. Each shoreline area is unique and part of the essence of New York. But these places will change as sea level rises, and the differences will become more obvious as the sea continues to rise to levels never experienced by humans. A result of the world s changing climate, a rising sea will alter more than just the coastline. The entire state will feel the effects as residents and a significant amount of the landscape are affected. These areas are diverse and interconnected and share New York s rich agriculture, commercial, economic and environmental history and resources. The communities along New York State's coastline, including their structures, their residents, their environment and the surrounding natural resources, are products of decisions made over the course of many years. These decisions shaped decades of investment, development and conservation. While the extent of the impacts to coastal communities from a rising sea are not fully known, even the most conservative projections make clear that there will be dramatic changes in this century. Thus, how coastal communities and our state address this collective challenge is important to today's decision makers. The responses needed to protect communities from the threat posed by sea level rise will take time, and now that the challenges are better understood, government is obligated to protect its citizens while there is time to do so effectively. New York must focus on the smart use of limited resources to address the impacts associated with sea level rise. THE SEA LEVEL RISE TASK FORCE In 2007, the New York State Legislature created the Sea Level Rise Task Force and charged it with preparing a report that addresses these issues, including recommendations for an action plan to protect coastal communities and natural resources from rising sea levels. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation leads the Task Force, which has a diverse membership that includes representatives of state and local government agencies, non governmental organizations and affected communities. The legislature directed the Task Force to evaluate ways of protecting New York s remaining coastal ecosystems and natural habitats, and increasing coastal community resilience in the face of sea level rise, applying the best available science as to sea level rise and its anticipated impacts. The Task Force has studied and deliberated, with public participation, the complex issues involved with sea level rise in New York State; however, a thorough analysis of the costs and benefits associated with sea level rise and potential adaptation strategies was beyond the scope of this effort. The findings and recommendations in this report are an important first step in increasing the resilience of our coastal communities but should be further analyzed to evaluate their site specific applicability and effect on economic development, greenhouse gas mitigation efforts, the environment and other factors. Page 5

8 While this report is the result of the considerable efforts of many dedicated individuals, it does not represent the unanimous consent of the Task Force. The City of New York, which was a member of the Task Force and has launched a comprehensive climate resilience effort as part of its long term sustainability plan, PlaNYC, does not support recommendations 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. As detailed in comments submitted to the Task Force and available as an appendix to this report and at New York City believes that these recommendations are not supported by thorough scientific, environmental, or cost benefit analysis [and] do not recognize the differences between undeveloped areas and densely populated cities since this analysis has not been done, we do not fully understand the potential impacts of sea level rise and storm surge on coastal infrastructure and communities much less many of the intended and unintended consequences of the proposed policy recommendations in the draft report. Similar concerns were expressed by others in public comments to the Task Force. The Task Force recognizes the divergence of opinion of its members and looks forward to continuing to work with all affected stakeholders to respond to the real and significant challenges posed by sea level rise. Page 6

9 Findings 1. Sea level rise and coastal flooding from storm surge are already affecting and will increasingly affect New York s entire ocean and estuarine coastline from Montauk Point to the Battery and up the Hudson River to the federal dam at Troy. 2. The likelihood that powerful storms will hit New York State s coastline is very high, as is the associated threat to human life and coastal infrastructure. This vulnerability will increase in area and magnitude over time. 3. Natural shoreline features, such as wetlands, aquatic vegetation, dunes and barrier beaches, currently provide large scale services, such as flood protection, storm buffering, fisheries habitat, recreational facilities and water filtration, at almost no cost. These services would be prohibitively expensive to replicate with human built systems. New York is losing tidal marshes at a rapid pace and with them the natural infrastructure that protects the shore from floods, wave attack and erosion. 4. Sea level rise will cause all shoreline ecosystems to become more frequently inundated. Lowlying locations will become permanently submerged. Habitats and the species associated with them may migrate landward; this migration, however, will be impeded by the density of development on much of the state s shoreline and the widespread hardening of that shoreline. 5. Current investment and land use planning practices by both New York State and local governments are encouraging development in areas at high risk of coastal flooding and erosion. 6. Over the long term, cumulative environmental and economic costs associated with structural protection measures, such as seawalls, dikes, and beach nourishment, may be more expensive and less effective than non structural measures, such as elevation of at risk structures and planned relocation away from the coastal shoreline, especially in less urbanized areas. Solutions for urban areas, however, may require a mixed approach of structural and non structural solutions. 7. As water levels rise, sea walls, dikes and similar structures along the state s coastline may limit public access to beaches as the publicly accessible intertidal zone is eliminated. 8. Existing maps of New York State s coast that identify communities, habitats and infrastructure at greatest risk of flooding and erosion are inaccurate, out of date, not detailed enough for planning and regulatory purposes and fail to incorporate historic and projected sea level rise. 9. There are low cost, high benefit actions that can be taken now to reduce vulnerability along New York State s coastline. Page 7

10 Recommendations 1. Adopt official projections of sea level rise and ensure continued and coordinated adaptation efforts. 2. Require state agencies responsible for the management and regulation of resources, infrastructure, and populations at risk from sea level rise to factor the current and anticipated impacts into all relevant aspects of decision making.* 3. Classify areas where significant risk of coastal flooding due to storms has been identified and implement risk reduction measures in those areas.* 4. Identify and classify areas of future impacts from coastal flooding from projected sea level rise and storms to reduce risk in those areas.* 5. Reduce vulnerability in coastal areas at risk from sea level rise and storms. Support increased reliance on non structural measures and natural protective features to reduce impacts from coastal hazards, where applicable.* 6. Develop maps and other tools required to assist local decision makers in preparing for and responding to sea level rise. 7. Amend New York State laws and change and adopt regulations and agency guidance documents to address sea level rise and prevent further loss of natural systems that reduce risk of coastal flooding.* 8. Provide financial support, guidance and tools for community based vulnerability assessments and ensure a high level of community representation and participation in official vulnerability assessments and post storm recovery, redevelopment and adaptation planning processes. 9. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of the public health risks associated with sea level rise, coastal hazards and climate change including compromised indoor air quality, drinking water impacts, post traumatic stress and other mental health problems, increases in disease vectors, impaired access to health care and loss of reliable access to food and medical supplies. 10. Raise public awareness of the adverse impacts of sea level rise and climate change and of the potential adaptive strategies. 11. Develop mechanisms to fund adaptation to sea level rise and climate change. 12. Fund research, monitoring and demonstration projects to improve understanding of key vulnerabilities of critical coastal ecosystems, infrastructure and communities from sea level rise. 13. Ensure continued and coordinated adaptation to sea level rise. 14. Seek federal funding, technical assistance and changes to federal programs to make them consistent with, or accommodating to, state policies, programs and adaptation measures related to sea level rise. * Recommendation does not have the unanimous support of the Task Force. Page 8

11 THE SEA IS RISING Our climate is changing, causing the world s seas to rise. Since 1970, the Northeast has witnessed increases in average temperatures of more than 1.5 F. These changes have resulted in warmer winters and hotter summers and other changes in the form of fewer, but heavier, snows and heavier, more intense rainfall and storms. The warming produced by global climate change causes the sea level to rise because warmer water takes up more space, and higher temperatures are melting ice sheets around the globe. New York Harbor has experienced an increase in sea level of more than 15 inches in the past 150 years, with harbor tide gauges showing a rise of between 4 and 6 inches since The Task Force looked to the best available science to estimate potential sea level rise. Not all regions of the marine coast will be affected in the same way, and this report focuses on estimates for two areas: the lower Hudson Valley and Long Island, including New York City, and the mid Hudson Valley and Capital Region. Sea level rise affecting the Lower Hudson Valley and Long Island is projected to be 2 to 5 inches by the 2020s and 12 to 23 inches by the end of this century. However, rapid melt of land based ice could double these projections in the next few decades, with a potential rise of up to 55 inches by the end of the century. Sea level rise in the mid Hudson Valley and Capital Region will be somewhat less but will follow similar trends. The combination of rising sea level, continuing climate change, and more development in high risk areas has raised the level of New York s vulnerability to coastal storms. Without meaningful action on a number of key fronts, this vulnerability will increase in area and magnitude over time. EVERY NEW YORK TIDAL COASTAL COMMUNITY WILL BE AFFECTED BY SEA LEVEL RISE Sea level rise will have dramatic implications for New York s coastal communities and their natural resources, affecting the entire ocean and estuarine coastline of the state. Every community along the Hudson River from the Federal Dam at Troy to New York Harbor and along Long Island Sound and the Atlantic coastline will be affected. Sea level rise will continue to increase the risk to developed areas, future development and coastal habitats which are already highly vulnerable to flooding and storm damage. Many neighborhoods and their associated buildings, roads, and utilities will be directly affected, with the most vulnerable communities permanently inundated. An area far broader than the immediate coastline will witness flooding and erosion associated with increasingly powerful storms. The effects will be potentially more dramatic because of the broad extent of effects on the utilities and infrastructure systems upon which our modern society relies: sewage, stormwater, fuel storage, energy generation, communication, solid waste, and transportation, including road, rail, airports, and ports. The emergency services that provide relief and support during storm events and flooding will be more overwhelmed in areas where the intensity of impacts increases. Page 9

12 Secondary impacts such as water borne pollution associated with flooding of contaminated lands located throughout coastal communities may affect water quality and ecosystems, having long term implications for New York s seafood industries. Public health will be further affected by vector borne diseases and impacts to water supplies caused by changes in rainfall, heat and saltwater intrusion. New York s natural resources and ecosystems will be greatly affected by the human response to sea level rise. Natural systems such as wetlands currently provide critical benefits, including flood protection, to coastal communities on a large scale at almost no cost. These benefits would be expensive to replicate with human engineered solutions. Responses that harden the coastline, such as sea walls and bulkheads, prevent natural systems from migrating inland as water levels increase, leaving them to drown in place. In addition, such solutions can limit public access to beaches. Thorough analysis of the environmental effects, long term effectiveness and costs of alternative management measures relative to coastline hardening will be required, particularly in less urbanized areas, and different types of shorelines will require different types of protection. While the recommendations contained in this report strongly favor and support first consideration of non structural strategies, the Task Force recognizes that responses must be flexible to account for unique local circumstances and may require multi faceted approaches. Further, the Task Force recognizes the need and appropriateness of structural shore protection solutions in highly developed areas or where water dependent infrastructure exists. New York City is home to approximately 43 percent 1 of New York State s population, with approximately 18 million 2 people from the tri state metropolitan area relying on New York City s extensive transportation, communication, and utility infrastructure. Much of this infrastructure is located in close proximity to the coast, without the benefit of natural systems, such as wetlands, to mitigate the effects of climate change. Responding to sea level rise in this area will require analyses to develop a mix of both non structural and structural solutions. THE TASK FORCE REPORT The Task Force worked for more than two years to produce this report, which examines the complexities of sea level rise and its implications for New York in the twenty first century. This report includes 9 findings and 14 specific recommendations for action. Many of the recommendations require additional analysis before implementation, and the proposed timelines for implementation of each recommendation reflect the necessary sequence of this work. The recommendations do not represent the unanimous consent of the Task Force. The City of New York, which was a member of the Task Force and has launched a comprehensive climate resilience effort as part of its long term sustainability plan, PlaNYC, does not support recommendations 2, 3, 4, 5 and US Census Bureau 2 Ibid. Page 10

13 The report s findings coalesce around the need for immediate action. Every day, New York's residents, governments and businesses make decisions that affect the future vulnerability of the state s coastline. The magnitude and scope of the challenge posed by sea level rise require that relevant and accurate information about climate risk, resilience and adaptation become part of these everyday decisions. The vulnerabilities of coastal communities must be inventoried and assessed, and this information shared with residents of at risk communities. Appropriate responses must be formulated and implemented. Government policies and actions must be coordinated and prioritized to assist communities at greatest and most immediate risk in the most cost effective ways and in ways that recognize the importance of our natural coastal resources and their role in New York s future. These efforts must be guided by accurate science, up to date mapping and effective planning tools. We hope that the Task Force s work will spark action. The public and its governments must be invested in meeting the challenge of sea level rise. The challenge is real, and sea level rise will progress regardless of New York s response. Page 11

14 Introduction The sea is rising, driven by changes in global climate, and New York State s low lying marine and estuarine coastal areas their people, businesses, infrastructure, and ecosystems are at risk. More than 62 percent of New York's population lives in marine coastal counties, and these areas have tremendous economic value in terms of commerce and natural benefits such as habitat, water quality improvement, flood control, and storm protection. Sea level along New York's coast has been rising at the rate of almost one foot per century for at least 100 years, 3 resulting in more severe storm impacts, shoreline erosion, and coastal flooding experienced by coastal communities today. The rate of rise is expected to increase with global warming, perhaps doubling over the next century. 4 Table 1 provides projections of sea level rise in New York. Infrastructure critical to both the state and national economies will be subjected to increased risk of coastal storm damage as sea level rises. A powerful coastal storm occurring today poses great danger to the region, and this threat will intensify as sea level continues to rise. New York State must initiate action to safeguard its natural resources, human communities and economic assets. We must work to increase community resilience the capacity to withstand or recover from loss or damage while embracing a long term commitment to understand evolving threats and adjust responses into the future. The Sea Level Rise Task Force (Task Force) was established by statute in It was charged with summarizing what is known about the impact of sea level rise and recommending actions that will both protect coastal ecosystems and help human coastal communities to increase resilience and adapt to rising sea levels. The Task Force was not charged with studying other climate related impacts to our oceans, such as acidification, changes to ocean currents and other effects of warming ocean temperatures. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation leads the Task Force, whose workgroups include representatives Rising seas threaten to permanently inundate valuable coastal habitats. 3 Leatherman, S.P., R Chalfont, E. Pendleton, S. Funderbunk and T. McCandless Vanishing Lands, Sea Level, Society, and Chesapeake Bay. Univ. of Maryland Laboratory for Coastal Research & US Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake Bay Field Office. 4 Tanski, J Long Island s Dynamic South Shore, A Primer on the Forces and Trends Shaping Our Coast. NYS Sea Grant. 5 Chapter 613 of the Laws of New York, Page 12

15 from multiple state agencies and authorities, federal and local government, community and nongovernmental organizations, businesses and academia. 6 The Task Force has sought public comment and engagement throughout the process of developing this report. 7 Although the Task Force s effort is the only one focused primarily on sea level rise in New York State, it exists within a larger context of complementary initiatives that have examined climate change and coastal hazards. 8 The wide variety of state, local government and private partners participating in current efforts to assess climate change risk are using the same projections of sea level rise and coastal hazards in developing policy for New York State. They also agree on the types of actions that should be taken to reduce long term vulnerability in our coastal areas. This work will now help shape the efforts of the New York State Climate Action Council (CAC) as it drafts the state s Climate Action Plan. Though scientific and policy unknowns remain, inaction is not a responsible option. New York State, working with other levels of government, must address the challenges presented by sea level rise, even as coastal communities and ecosystems are increasingly affected. Counties Affected by Sea Level Rise Albany Bronx Columbia Dutchess Greene Kings (Brooklyn) Nassau New York (Manhattan) Orange Putnam Queens Rensselaer Richmond (Staten Island) Rockland Suffolk Ulster Westchester The following discussion outlines the basic hazards and challenges of sea level rise and presents the Task Force s recommendations for protecting the state s communities both human built and natural in the face of these dangers. 6 See Appendix A: Members of the Task Force and Workgroups. 7 See Appendix B: Public Outreach Summary. 8 New York City Panel on Climate Change s Climate Risk Information, New York City s Climate Change and Climate Adaptation Task Force, Metropolitan Transit Authority Adaptations to Climate Change, New York City Department of Environmental Protection s Climate Change Task Force, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority s Statewide Climate Impacts Assessment (ClimAID), the Nature Conservancy s Rising Waters and Coastal Resilience projects, and the Union of Concerned Scientists Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment. Page 13

16 Key Terms 9 Beach nourishment: the addition of sand, often dredged from offshore, to an eroding shoreline to enlarge or create a beach area, offering temporary shore protection and recreational opportunities. The NYS Coastal Erosion Hazard Act specifically defines beach nourishment as a structural measure. Coast: In this report, this term refers to New York State s marine coastline only, not to the Great Lakes or other inland coastlines. Coastal hazards: negative impacts associated with sea level rise, storm surge, wind driven waves and erosion Coastal Risk Management Zone: areas to be classified as currently at significant risk of coastal flooding due to storms and areas projected to be at high risk of flooding from projected sea level rise and strong storms Ecosystem services: the benefits people obtain from ecosystems that communities would have to replace artificially if the natural systems were lost. These benefits include, among others, flood control, water quality improvement, storm protection, food production, nursery grounds, wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration. Natural protective features: natural features such as the nearshore area, wetlands, dunes, bluffs, barrier islands and aquatic vegetation, the alteration of which might reduce or destroy the protection afforded other lands against erosion or high water, or lower the reserves of sand or other natural materials available to replenish storm losses through natural processes 10 Non structural protection or non structural measures: Non structural protective measures address storms, flooding and erosion, and minimize current and future damage through sustainable adaptation of development within the context of the natural environment. From the land use perspective, non structural measures include excluding development from unsafe, high risk locations through land use regulation, zoning, open space conservation, land trusts, easements or other land use measures that protect communities, development and natural resources. Non structural measures also include building construction techniques that achieve resilience to environmental conditions, such as relocation, elevation, and flood proofing or other measures applied to development. Retrofits, tax incentives, post storm adaptation, transfer of development rights, voluntary acquisition and temporary lease/occupancy agreements are 9 Adapted from Titus, J.G US Global Climate Science Program Synthesis and Assessment Product As defined in regulations corresponding to the Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas Act (6 NYCRR Part 505). Page 14

17 examples of non structural measures to reduce coastal storm and inundation impacts for existing development. 11 Shore protection: a range of management and engineering responses that focus on protecting land from inundation, erosion or storm induced flooding through traditional armoring (seawalls; bulkheads; or revetments made from concrete, rock, steel or timber and placed parallel to the shoreline); shoreline stabilization structures and facilities (groins, breakwaters, sills, vegetation, wetland or ground water drainage) designed to slow the erosion rate; beach and dune reconstruction, designed to replace sediment on the beach or dune; non structural measures (see above); or a combination of these approaches Soft shore protection, shoreline softening or soft engineering: methods of shore protection that prevent or reduce shore erosion through the use of natural materials similar to those already found in a given location, such as using sand for beach or dune reconstruction or the planting of native vegetation to retain soils along the shore; or through use of structures designed to provide riparian habitat or to emulate natural shorelines for the purpose of adding habitat value Storm Surge: a dramatic elevation of the ocean surface that leads to rapid flooding Hard shoreline protection, shoreline hardening, shoreline armoring or hard engineering methods : concrete, rock, sill, timber or other structures such as groins, jetties and breakwaters, designed to slow erosion; or bulkheads, dikes, revetments and seawalls, designed to manage the erosive effect of waves on property or landward infrastructure 11 New York State Coastal Policy 17. Page 15

18 Sea Level Rise: Causes and Projections Sea level rise is caused by a complex suite of factors. Climate change contributes to global sea level rise in two ways: 1) higher seawater temperatures cause the volume of seawater to increase, a phenomenon known as thermal expansion, and 2) melting ice caps, glaciers and ice sheets increase the total amount of seawater. Local sea levels are affected by ocean currents, gravitational forces, prevailing winds, and rise and fall of the land mass. Within the coastal regions of New York State, the land mass is slowly sinking, with the exception of the Hudson estuary north of Kingston. This movement is a result of geological forces and impacts of human activity and development. It affects local, or relative, rates of sea level rise. The effects of sea level rise are compounded by potential increases in extreme precipitation and storms associated with climate change. TABLE 1: Projected Sea Level Rise in New York 1 Lower Hudson Valley & Long Island 2020s 2050s 2080s Sea level rise 2 2 to 5 in 7 to 12 in 12 to 23 in Sea level rise with rapid ice melt scenario 3 5 to 10 in 19 to 29 in 41 to 55 in Mid Hudson Valley & Capital Region 2020s 2050s 2080s Sea level rise 2 1 to 4 in 5 to 9 in 8 to 18 in Sea level rise with rapid ice melt scenario 3 4 to 9 in 17 to 26 in 37 to 50 in 1 NYSERDA ClimAID Team Integrated Assessment for Effective Climate change Adaptation Strategies in New York State. C. Rosenzweig, W. Solecki, A. DeGaetano, M. O Grady, S. Hassol, P. Grabhorn, Eds. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, 17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY Shown is the central range (middle 67%) of values from model based probabilities (16 global climate models by 3 GHG emissions scenarios) rounded to the nearest inch. 3 The rapid ice melt scenario is based on acceleration of recent rates of ice melt in the Greenland and west Antarctic ice sheets and paleoclimate studies. The interplay of these various factors and the gaps in our current knowledge make precise sea level predictions for any given geographic area difficult. However, all models agree that the outlook for our region is dramatic and will change the coast in fundamental ways. The New York City Panel on Climate Change and the draft New York State Climate Impacts Assessment (ClimAID) aggregated the projections for mean annual sea level rise shown in Table 1. The New York State Climate Action Council is using Page 16

19 these projections in developing its Climate Action Plan, and the Task Force has chosen to use this range of projections as the foundation for its risk assessments and recommendations. These projections are supported by empirical data documenting recent sea level rise in New York State. For example, gauges at the New York City Battery indicate that sea level in the 2000s is 4 to 6 inches higher than in the early 1960s. 12 The New York City Panel on Climate Change found that as global temperatures have increased, the regional sea level has risen more rapidly in the past 100 to 150 years than during the last 1,000 years. 13 Beyond models and measurements, New Yorkers have their own firsthand experience to confirm that the dangers of flooding and storm surges exacerbated by rising waters are real and immediate. Only a small, sagging portion of the main building of the West Bay Beach Club in Quantuck, Suffolk County, remained after the 1938 "Long Island Express" hurricane. Five Category 3 hurricanes have made first landfall in New England since With the exception of one, all made landfall along Long Island's coastline. 14 In 1938, the Great New England Hurricane or Long Island Express struck Long Island communities with devastating results. A storm surge of approximately 10 feet submerged low lying areas; hundreds of homes were destroyed, and at least 50 lives were lost. The storm would have been considered a Category 3 using today's measurement scale for hurricane intensity. If the same hurricane were to hit now, with current levels of coastal development in New York and New England, the total insured loss to commercial and residential property associated with the storm surge flooding alone has been estimated at between $6 billion and $10.5 billion (2008 dollars). 15 In 1962, a powerful Nor easter known as the Ash Wednesday Storm struck the eastern third of the United States, generating ocean waves of 20 to 30 feet. 16 Surge at the Battery was more than 7.5 feet and more than 9 feet at Willets Point in Queens. East of Fire Island Inlet two and a half days (five high 12 Colle, B.A., K. Rojowsky, and F. Buonaiuto New York City storm surges: Climatology and an analysis of the wind and cyclone evolution. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology 49: Pub ID# New York City Panel on Climate Change Climate Risk Information. 14 The 1938 Great New England Hurricane: Looking to the Past to Understand Today s Risk, Patricia Grossi, et al., Risk Management Solutions, Inc., Newark, CA, 2008, p Ibid. p NYS Coastal Erosion Task Force Report, Page 17

20 tides) of high water carved through dunes and created a new inlet 1,200 feet wide at Westhampton Beach. Parts of Coney Island were entirely inundated from ocean to bay. 17 At Seagate, waves overtopped and severely damaged timber bulkheads. In Jamaica Bay, low lying areas were completely flooded. The Rockaways experienced severe erosion and lost eight homes. Estimates of damage on Staten Island, Brooklyn s South Shore, the Rockaways, Long Beach Island, Long Island, Fire Island, Westchester and the Peconic shoreline totaled more than $220 million in today s dollars (adjusted for inflation). 18 More recently, a Nor easter on December 11 and 12, 1992 caused a storm surge of nearly 7.75 feet at the Battery, propelled by wind gusts of 80 to 90 mph. Tunnels and subways in lower Manhattan flooded, as did portions of the Manhattan Eastside FDR Drive, areas of Seagate, Broad Channel and many coastal towns on Long Island. New York has always been vulnerable to tropical storms, hurricanes and more commonly Nor easters. Without action to reduce community vulnerability, similar storms will, in the future, threaten many more lives, public infrastructure and private property in New York s coastal areas due to ever increasing development and population growth in these areas. With elevated sea levels and associated higher storm surges, the geographic extent of vulnerable areas and damage will increase dramatically. In addition to the devastating impacts of these acute events, gradually encroaching seawater will have chronic, incremental effects on coastal ecosystem structure and functions and on human uses of the coast. Some low lying areas in New York already experience flooding during spring high tides or due to the inability to drain storm water in coastal floodplains. 17 NYS Coastal Erosion Task Force Report, $31 million in 1963 dollars adjusted for inflation using Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI calculator. bin/cpicalc.pl Page 18

SECTION 3.2 CLIMATE AND PRECIPITATION Ulster County Climate Data A preliminary analysis of the Preserve s weather data shows that the average temperature has risen about two degrees over the past 114 years.

AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2010 SCORING GUIDELINES Question 4 (a) Based on the rate cited above, calculate the expected increase in sea level, in meters, during the next 50 years. One point can be earned

Climate Adaptation Planning in New York City University of Helsinki November26, 2014 David C. Major, Ph.D. dcm29@columbia.edu Climate Change and a Global City: The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability

Storm Surge: A Rising Danger by Andrew M. Dzambo Citizens of the United States are migrating towards the nation s coasts; according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. coastal watershed county population

CITY CLIMATE LEADERSHIP AWARDS New York Climate Close-Up Fast Facts In New York, GDP in 2012 was more than $1.2 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Statistics from the same source show

In this issue... We review the relationship between science and the management of tidal wetlands in Virginia. The program has evolved over the past four decades to address: E the public benefits provided

Plan Framework for Coastal Management The purpose of this element is to provide for the protection of residents and property in within the coastal area of the host community, and to limit expenditures,

7) Coastal Storms: Multi-Hazard Analysis for New York City a) Hazard Profile i) Hazard Description Coastal storms, including nor'easters, tropical storms, and hurricanes, can and do affect New York City.

Flood Risk Management Value of Flood Risk Management Every year floods sweep through communities across the United States taking lives, destroying property, shutting down businesses, harming the environment

Flood Risk Management Value of Flood Risk Management Value to Individuals and Communities Every year floods sweep through communities across the United States taking lives, destroying property, shutting

Local Communities: Planning for Climate Change Minister s foreword Climate change is a reality. It s up to all New Zealanders to help reduce the effects of climate change and keep our communities safe.

FLOOD PROTECTION AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE CHEHALIS RIVER BASIN May 2010 Prepared by for the Execubve Summary The Chehalis Basin experienced catastrophic flooding in 2007 and 2009. In response, the

Future of our coasts: Potential for natural and hybrid infrastructure to enhance ecosystem and community resilience Ariana Sutton-Grier University of Maryland & National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

6.0 Mitigation Strategy Introduction A mitigation strategy provides participating counties and municipalities in the H-GAC planning area with the basis for action. Based on the findings of the Risk Assessment

Fall 2012, Vol. 7, No. 2 In Coastal Virginia, flooding has been an on-going issue. Flooding is caused by precipitation events, high tides or storm surge. Although flooding has occurred throughout recorded

Excerpted from PAS Report 581, Coastal Zone Management. Copyright 2016 by the American Planning Association. All rights reserved. CHAPTER 1 ESSENTIAL FACTS ABOUT COASTLINES The only thing that is constant

Impacts of Global Warming on Hurricane-related Flooding in Corpus Christi,Texas Sea-level Rise and Flood Elevation A one-foot rise in flood elevation due to both sea-level rise and hurricane intensification

Impacts of Global Warming on North Carolina s Coastal Economy IMPACTS OF GLOBAL WARMING ON NORTH CAROLINA S COASTAL ECONOMY Key Findings Global warming is projected to have significant impacts on North

Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. ISSN 0077-8923 ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Issue: Building the Knowledge Base for Climate Resiliency New York City Panel on Climate Change 2015 Report Executive Summary

Using the Carbon Market to Provide Financial Support for Coastal Restoration and Protection fact SHEET Using the Carbon Market to Provide Financial Support for Coastal Restoration and Protection Coastal

Hazards of the Jamaican Coastline ERODING BEACHES: A RESPONSE TO RISING SEA LEVEL? This is the fourth in a series of articles on Hazards of the Jamaican Coastline contributed by the Marine Geology Unit,

QIN Shoreline Master Program Project Summary The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) development process for the Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) includes the completion of inventory and analysis report with corresponding

Chapter 6: Mitigation Strategies This section of the Plan describes the most challenging part of any such planning effort the development of a Mitigation Strategy. It is a process of: 1. Setting mitigation

Freeboard Incentives work for residents, town officials in Hull, MA The Town of Hull, Massachusetts, is situated on a peninsula in the southernmost part of Massachusetts Bay. It is densely developed, and

Sim Isle Lesson Focus: The impact of coastal development on economic and environmental issues. Learning objectives: To gain the perspective of a variety of stakeholders on development of barrier islands.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION Lower Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Enhancement Project I. Description of the Project and its Relationship to Other Projects in the Proposal The Lower

2 1 SECTION 2 Monitoring water quality in estuaries The Waterwatch program includes testing of a number of water quality parameters to provide information about the health of the waterway under investigation.

(2) No new coastal revetments or hard coastal engineering structures of any type shall be constructed on a barrier beach. (3) No activities or structures shall be permitted which prohibit the natural movement

Going green : Environmental jobs for scientists and engineers Alice Ramey Alice Ramey is an economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, BLS. She is available at (202)

Project Work Plan Template Goal: The essence of this outcome is to facilitate, demonstrate and implement climate smart protection and restoration planning to enhance the resiliency of the Bay watershed

White Paper Sea Level Rise Adaptation in the Public Sector: Challenges, Solutions, and Opportunities As climate change progresses, the relentless march of sea level rise (SLR) presents an array of challenges

64.6 affordable rental units were available per 100 very low income renters in 2011. The shortage of affordable housing and prevalence of severe rent burdens increased rapidly during 2009 to 2011, building

Page 1 Dynamics Of Beaches Made Easy San Diego County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation 1. Introduction Beaches are made up of more than just sand. In California beaches are generally formed by erosion

STATEMENT OF RON HUNTSINGER NATIONAL SCIENCE COORDINATOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BEFORE THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES

Door County Zoning Introduction Door County has a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance that contains wetland conservation provisions. Shoreland-Wetland zoning provisions are enforced in all unincorporated areas

Wetlands and Climate Change: Considerations for Wetland Program Managers Association of State Wetland Managers July 2015 1 Wetlands and Climate Change: Considerations for Wetland Program Managers Association

Guideline: A risk assessment approach to development assessment in coastal hazard areas Prepared by: Environment Planning, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection State of Queensland, 2013. The

Impacts of Sea-Level Rise on National Wildlife Refuges Considerations for Land Protection Priorities Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration O ne of the well-documented impacts of climate

Strategy Name: Reduce Existing Potential for Flood Damages LRSW-S3C1. Develop and implement a program to: Minimize flood damages through the use of structural measures. Minimize flood damages through the

overview urban forestry Urban Forestry Background research on the topic of urban forestry is intended to help guide the task of integrating trees and urban forestry goals and aspirations into the Portland

CHARTER PREAMBLE The United Nations World Council on the Environment and Development defines sustainability as the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations

NEW YORK SEASCAPE PROGRAM A COMMITMENT TO OCEAN CONSERVATION JULY 2012 1 Wildlife Conservation Society The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through